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HERONS, STORKS, AND IBISES 



when settled on his course he proceeds more smoothly, with regular, measured 

 wing beats, the head drawn in closely, and the legs stretched out behind like a 

 rudder. He is very easily shot on the wing, dropping at a touch of even fine shot. 

 When winged, he croaks painfully as he drops, and no sooner does he touch the 

 ground than he gathers himself in defensive attitude to resent aggression as best he 

 can. He fights well, and with more spirit and determination than he might be 



BOAT-BII^ED HERON. 



(Three-tenths natural size.) 



expected to show. He has a very ugly way of pointing his resistance with quick 

 thrusts of his spear-like bill, capable of inflicting no slight wound on an incautious 

 hand. The food of this bird consists of various kinds of small aquatic animals. In 

 its stomach may be found mollusks, crayfish, frogs, lizards, small snakes, and fishes, 

 as well as insects. Such prey is captured with great address, by spearing, as the bird 

 walks or wades stealthily along; ' ' the thrust of the bill is marvelously quick and 



